Do you know which was the first planned city of India after Independence? It’s none other than the charming city of Chandigarh. There are many interesting things to do in Chandigarh, which is often referred to as the “City Beautiful”, because of its well-maintained gardens and modern architecture.
Serving as the administrative headquarters for both Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a city that boasts a vibrant culture that welcomes everyone with open arms. If you’re planning a trip, there are a number of things to do in Chandigarh, but the question is, where do you even start?
In this guide, you will get to know about the places that make Chandigarh the iconic city that it is. So, here are the top 10 things you can do in Chandigarh in 2025.
10 Best Things to Do in Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff. From the lively nightclubs to the buzzing markets, there is never a dull moment in Chandigarh.
1. Spend the evening at Sukhna Lake
Situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range, Sukhna Lake is one of the iconic places in Chandigarh, which is definitely worth visiting. It provides the perfect setting for various outdoor activities such as boating, rowing, and bird watching. Sukhna Lake also features a 2 km long path, which makes it an ideal place for early morning jogs or a leisurely walk during the evenings. During the monsoon season, this pristine lake also serves as the venue for the famous Mango Festival, where a huge variety of mangoes are showcased to the general public. Hence, taking a stroll around Sukha Lake is probably one of the best things you can do in Chandigarh.
Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh
Timing: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free for the Lake, Rs 250 for boating
2. Rock Garden
Just a short walk away from Sukha Lake lies the famous Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Also known as Nek Chand Saini’s Rock Garden, this garden is named after its founder, Nek Chand Saini, a government official who started building this garden during the late 50s as a passion project. The garden features several artificial waterfalls and sculptures, which have become a major attraction of the city over the years. All the sculptures in the Rock Garden are made from various sorts of waste material, such as bottles, tiles, broken pipes, etc., making it a proud symbol for the noble cause of recycling. These things make the Rock Garden a perfect place for a family outing.
Location: Uttar Marg, Sector 1, Chandigarh
Timing: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 30
3. Sector 17 Market
The Sector 17 Market of Chandigarh is believed to be the cultural hub and one of the most famous things in Chandigarh. This place is the ultimate shopping paradise, and taking a walk here is one of the best things to do in Chandigarh. The market is lined up with various outlets ranging from top international brands to elegant local boutiques. It also offers a huge variety of local handicrafts and souvenir shops. During the night, the whole Sector 17 market comes alive with beautiful lighting and a vibrant musical fountain show.
Location: Sector 17, Chandigarh
Timing: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
4. Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden of Chandigarh is a calm and serene park that highlights various elements of Japanese culture. The park includes pagodas, waterfalls and a meditation centre for the general public. One of the famous things in Chandigarh, the Japanese Garden, provides the residents with a much-needed relief from the hustle of the city. During the evenings, many of the city’s residents turn to the Japanese Garden for a breath of fresh air.
Location: Sector 31A, Chandigarh
Timing: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Fees: Free
5. Tagore Theatre
Another important landmark in Chandigarh’s cultural history is the Tagore Theatre. Founded in 1962, the Tagore Theatre is a hub of various cultural activities such as theatre plays, dance performances, comedy shows, etc. To encourage the local artists of the city, the theatre also has its own repertory, the Tagore Drama Repertory. So, if you’re looking for some amazing theatre plays or performances, Tagore Theatre is the place to be.
Location: Sarovar Path, Sector 18, Chandigarh
Timing: NA
Entry Fee: Applicable as per event
6. Capitol Complex
Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex is a true representation of the work of the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who designed several of Chandigarh’s key structures. The various structures inside this complex include: the Palace of Assembly, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Punjab and Haryana Secretariat, etc. The complex also houses the iconic Open Hand monument, which represents the ideas of peace and reconciliation.
The Capitol Complex serves as a reminder of Le Corbusier’s ingenuity and his contributions to the architecture of Chandigarh. The Capitol Complex can be the perfect place for people who like to explore the history of a city, and it is definitely one of the best things to do in Chandigarh.
Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh
Timing: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
7. International Doll Museum
Out of the many things to do in Chandigarh, the International Doll Museum is probably the most unique. Started in 1985 as an entertainment hub for kids, today the International Doll Museum is not just an attraction for kids, but for people of all age groups. Featuring a large collection of dolls from various countries like Russia, Japan, USA, Germany etc. this museum aims to teach people about the different cultures of the world through the world of dolls.
Location: Bal Bhawan, Sector 23B, Chandigarh
Timing: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 20
8. Nepli Forest
If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, exploring the Nepli Forest is among the best offbeat things to do in Chandigarh. Take a trek through this forest, which holds a rich variety of flora and fauna. Inside the Nepli Forest lies the Sukha Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a great place for spotting some majestic animals such as leopards, pangolins, and the Indian flying fox.
Location: Sukteri, Panchkula
Timing: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
9. Club Hopping
With its numerous clubs and pubs, the city of Chandigarh just comes to life at night. Chandigarh has quite a vibrant nightlife, and due to this, club hopping becomes one of the best things to do in Chandigarh at night. People usually club hop while taking a Gedi (round) across the city. One of the most popular clubs in Chandigarh is Pyramid, located in the popular Elante Mall. With great food and lively ambience, Pyramid is one of the most lively clubs in the city. Another great option for clubbing is the Ministry of Bar Exchange in Sector 26, known for its fluctuating drink prices and great music.
Location: Pyramid, Elante Mall, Industrial Area Phase 1, and Ministry of Bar Exchange, Madhya Marg, Sector 26
Timing: 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Entry Fee: Rs. 2000-10,000
10. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden of Chandigarh, better known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, is one of the most famous gardens in the city. This magnificent garden holds more than 1600 different species of roses and is visited by hundreds of visitors daily. The garden is also the venue for the annual Rose Festival, which is held every year in February or March, celebrating the rich flora. The festival also holds various competitions for the visitors, such as photography, bonsai, landscaping, etc.
Location: Jan Marg, Sector 16, Chandigarh
Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Conclusion
Chandigarh is a city that has been carefully planned to meet all the needs of its residents. From its manicured lawns to its energetic clubs, things to do in Chandigarh never fail to surprise you. The charm of this city lies in its simplicity along with its ability to balance it with vibrant energy. This makes it the perfect destination for weekend getaways, family vacations as well as solo trips. The next time you’re looking for a destination that is perfect for relaxation as well as excitement, Chandigarh is the one for you. Thus, if you’re ever looking to spend your weekend in a city with a laid-back attitude during the day, and a vibrant energy during the night, look no further than Chandigarh. Book your trip with us today.
View on Map
(+91) 8287636079